How do you boost auto sales at your dealership? There are many strategies, but one good place to start is to focus on building brand awareness.

Increased brand awareness is a key strategy for dealerships to drive sales. The first step in securing customer loyalty is ensuring buyers recognize your dealership as a top option in their local market.

Customers who recognize and associate your company with positive experiences will likely return for service and their next purchase. They’ll also likely tell their friends.

As a bonus, retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than constantly seeking new ones, and the automotive industry provides strong evidence of this trend. Nationwide, nearly 44% of drivers remain loyal to the same brand when purchasing their next vehicle.

Even with rising interest rates and inflation creating financial pressures that could lead consumers to explore different brands for affordability, many vehicle owners continue to show strong brand loyalty.

However, retention remains a challenge. Of the 38 auto brands studied, only six achieved a nationwide retention rate above 50%, highlighting a significant opportunity for improvement.

By strengthening brand visibility and fostering long-term relationships, dealerships can create a competitive advantage and encourage repeat business.

For dealerships that want to build brand awareness, here are some strategies:

Provide exceptional customer service

True customer service goes beyond a warm greeting or complimentary beverage. It’s about solving problems, respecting customers' time, and providing real value.

A customer-first culture is built around a can-do approach that prioritizes solutions, embraces flexibility, and finds innovative ways to meet customer needs. When the exact solution a customer wants isn’t possible, transparency is key. Instead of simply saying no, explain why, explore alternatives, and demonstrate a commitment to working around the challenge.

Even when a complete resolution isn’t feasible, customers should leave feeling heard, valued, and confident that your dealership has done everything possible to assist them. This level of service builds trust, strengthens relationships, and keeps customers returning.

Improve your online presence

Over half of U.S. consumers spend at least 10 hours researching vehicle choices before purchasing. This research often takes place before they visit a dealership, too. The message here is clear: your dealership’s customer experience usually begins online.

Many dealerships have websites, but most don’t meet buyer expectations. You need a mobile-friendly website that allows prospects to check inventory, make appointments, and chat live with real people. If your website is aging and tired, a reasonable investment can help build brand awareness and boost sales.

Focus on customer reviews

It is hard to overstate the power of online reviews. Data shows that consumers often read reviews prior to visiting a dealership, as they do before eating at a restaurant or buying a product.

In fact, 84% of consumers said reviews were a factor in choosing their dealership and 93% of younger buyers said they use reviews to make purchasing decisions. Importantly, dealerships that focus on capturing and displaying customer feedback see an increase in sales of up to 10%.

Make auto financing a differentiator

Dealerships who listen to and act on customer feedback can foster trust and referrals. Of course, no strategy to increase sales will pay off if your dealership can’t handle the basics and do it well.

Dealers who work with Credit Acceptance can service customers across the financial spectrum, from those with no credit history to those with prime credit. They can also provide approvals in 30 seconds or less.

Want to do more to boost sales at your dealership? Join our network of enrolled dealers at Credit Acceptance.